{"product_id":"wizard-snail-filopaludina-martensi","title":"Wizard Snail – Filopaludina martensi","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eWizard Snail\u003c\/strong\u003e (\u003cem\u003eFilopaludina martensi\u003c\/em\u003e), also commonly sold as the \u003cstrong\u003eWhite Wizard Snail\u003c\/strong\u003e or White Ghost Wizard Snail, is an unusual freshwater snail known for its pale shell, peaceful temperament, and distinctive grazing and filter-feeding behavior.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWizard Snails are excellent additions to mature freshwater aquariums where they can graze on biofilm, soft algae, detritus, and leftover foods. They are also livebearing snails, producing fully formed young rather than laying large visible egg clutches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAttractive pale white to cream-colored shell\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePeaceful freshwater snail\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGrazes on biofilm, soft algae, and detritus\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCan also filter-feed microorganisms from the water\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePlant-safe under normal conditions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLivebearing species\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUsually reproduces much more slowly than many common aquarium snails\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExcellent for mature community and shrimp aquariums\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSnail Information\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Wizard Snail\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAlso Known As:\u003c\/strong\u003e White Wizard Snail, White Ghost Wizard Snail, White Trapdoor Snail\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eFilopaludina martensi\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFamily:\u003c\/strong\u003e Viviparidae\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Southeast Asia\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Freshwater\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e Peaceful\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAdult Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 1.5–2 inches\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Omnivorous grazer \/ detritivore \/ filter feeder\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCare Level:\u003c\/strong\u003e Easy to Moderate\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAppearance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWizard Snails are known for their attractive pale shell, which may range from ivory and cream to nearly white.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe shell is elongated and conical, and the snail has an \u003cstrong\u003eoperculum\u003c\/strong\u003e, sometimes called a trapdoor, that closes over the shell opening when the snail retracts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eColor and shell pattern may vary somewhat between individual snails.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAdult Size\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMost Wizard Snails reach approximately \u003cstrong\u003e1.5–2 inches\u003c\/strong\u003e in shell length when mature.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGrowth rate and maximum size can vary depending on age, diet, water chemistry, and overall aquarium conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eRecommended Aquarium Size\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA \u003cstrong\u003e10-gallon aquarium or larger\u003c\/strong\u003e is a good practical minimum.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLarger, mature aquariums are preferred because they provide greater water stability and more natural biofilm and grazing surfaces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eRecommended Water Parameters\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 72–82°F\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 7.0–8.0\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater Hardness:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moderately hard to hard\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAmmonia:\u003c\/strong\u003e 0 ppm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNitrite:\u003c\/strong\u003e 0 ppm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNitrate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Kept low through routine maintenance\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWizard Snails benefit from mineral-rich water with adequate calcium to support healthy shell growth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eShell Health and Calcium\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProper calcium and mineral availability are important for maintaining a strong shell.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSigns that water may be too soft or acidic can include:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhite pitting\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eShell erosion\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThin or brittle shell growth\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChalky shell surfaces\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen needed, mineral content may be supported with products such as crushed coral, cuttlebone, mineral supplements, or calcium-rich foods that are appropriate for aquarium use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAquarium Setup\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWizard Snails do best in mature freshwater aquariums with plenty of surfaces for grazing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUse a fully cycled aquarium\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProvide stable water chemistry\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUse gentle to moderate water flow\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMaintain good oxygenation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAdd driftwood and rocks for grazing surfaces\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProvide live plants\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUse sand or smooth gravel substrate\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAllow some natural biofilm to develop\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFeeding\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWizard Snails should not be expected to survive on aquarium algae alone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey naturally graze on:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBiofilm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSoft algae\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDetritus\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDecaying organic material\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMicroorganisms suspended in the water\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSupplemental foods may include:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAlgae wafers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSinking shrimp or bottom-feeder pellets\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCalcium-enriched snail foods\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBlanched zucchini\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBlanched spinach\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOther aquarium-safe vegetables\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVery clean or newly established aquariums may not contain enough natural food, so supplemental feeding is particularly important.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFilter-Feeding Behavior\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the most interesting traits of Wizard Snails is their ability to filter-feed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn addition to grazing surfaces, they can use their gills to collect tiny food particles and microorganisms suspended in the water column.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTemperament\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWizard Snails are peaceful and do not normally bother fish, shrimp, other snails, or healthy aquatic plants.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey are well suited to calm community aquariums with species that do not prey on snails.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCompatible Tankmates\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuitable tankmates may include:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePeaceful tetras\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRasboras\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGuppies\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePlaties\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCorydoras\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePeaceful rainbowfish\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFreshwater shrimp\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOther peaceful snails\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAvoid known snail predators such as many pufferfish, assassin snails, and larger snail-eating loaches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAre Wizard Snails Safe for Plants?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Wizard Snails are generally considered plant-safe.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey primarily graze biofilm, algae, detritus, and decomposing organic matter rather than healthy plant tissue.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eBreeding\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWizard Snails are \u003cstrong\u003elivebearers\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFemales brood developing young internally and release fully formed juvenile snails rather than laying large gelatinous egg masses or above-water egg clutches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMales and females are separate sexes, so reproduction requires both sexes to be present.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey typically reproduce much more slowly than pest snails such as bladder or ramshorn snails.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWill Wizard Snails Overrun the Aquarium?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey are much less likely to produce a sudden population explosion than many common aquarium snails.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTheir slower reproductive strategy makes them easier to manage in established aquariums.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCopper Warning\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUse caution with medications or treatments containing copper.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLike other freshwater snails and many invertebrates, Wizard Snails can be highly sensitive to copper.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlways verify that any medication or treatment is safe for snails before adding it to the aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eImportant Care Notes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAdd only to a fully cycled aquarium.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMaintain ammonia and nitrite at 0 ppm.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProvide adequate calcium and mineral content.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAvoid very soft, acidic water long term.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDo not rely on algae alone as a complete diet.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUse caution with copper-containing medications.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProvide smooth substrate and grazing surfaces.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNever release aquarium snails into local waterways.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow large do Wizard Snails get?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMost adults reach approximately 1.5–2 inches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAre Wizard Snails good algae eaters?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThey graze on soft algae and biofilm, but they should not be purchased as an algae-only cleanup solution. They still require a varied diet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo Wizard Snails eat live plants?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThey generally leave healthy aquatic plants alone and primarily consume biofilm, algae, detritus, and decaying material.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo Wizard Snails lay eggs?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNo large external egg clutches are produced. They are livebearing snails and release fully formed juveniles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAre Wizard Snails safe with shrimp?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. They are peaceful and generally make excellent companions for freshwater shrimp.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo they need calcium?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. Adequate calcium and mineral content are important for maintaining strong, healthy shells.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill Wizard Snails reproduce rapidly?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eUsually not. Their reproduction is considerably slower than many common aquarium snails.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAre Wizard Snails sensitive to copper?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. Copper-containing medications and treatments can be dangerous to snails and other aquarium invertebrates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAvailable at Tropical Treasures Wyo\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWizard Snails are available at \u003cstrong\u003eTropical Treasures Wyo\u003c\/strong\u003e in Cheyenne, Wyoming, when in stock.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLive livestock is available for \u003cstrong\u003ein-store purchase or local pickup only\u003c\/strong\u003e and is not available for shipping.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tropical Treasures Wyo LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54981439717589,"sku":null,"price":4.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"url":"https:\/\/tropicaltreasureswyo.com\/products\/wizard-snail-filopaludina-martensi","provider":"Tropical Treasures Wyo LLC","version":"1.0","type":"link"}